Boeing unveils technologically enhanced platforms at the Dubai Air Show
Smruti D
Ahead of the Dubai Air Show to be held from 14-18 November 2021, US aerospace giant Boeing held several interactions with the press, speaking about the several products it aims to field at the air show.
At a briefing on F/A18 Block III and F-15 Ex, named ‘Air Dominance & Path to the Future’, the programme managers spoke to the media. Vice president and program manager, F/A-18, Jennifer Splaingard said, “Block-III Super Hornet was developed to outpace future threats. The key tenets of the Block-III Super Hornets are—enhanced sensor fusion and situational awareness, increased survivability and lethality, extended life of up to 10,000 hours”.
The aircraft uses a mission computer 17 times more powerful than current versions. A new data link with low latency and high bandwidth, collates all battle-space information. A new display gives the pilot better battle-space awareness, to make faster decisions.
Boeing claims the Block-III’s mission computer has been future-proofed. Which means new software can be added as threats evolve. Either by Boeing itself, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Or by the end user, or even a hired third party. There is no need to wait for Boeing’s normal two-year development cycle for new technologies.
The F-15 EX carries a contemporary avionics suite and fifth-gen sensors, including a state-of-the-art electronic warfare system. It has a higher payload than any other jet—carrying up to 12 air-to-air and 15 air-to-ground weapons.
“The latest F-15EX has a digitally redesigned airframe. F-15 EX has an open mission system and a high-speed computer which allows us to insert new technologies as they evolve,” said vice president and program manager, F-15 Programs, Prat Kumar.
Helicopters
“The H-47 Chinook is truly a strategic advantage for the countries and customers that operate it. The Chinook is a world leading multi-mission medium-to-medium heavy-lift helicopter,” said International Business Development, Vertical Lift, Dan Schwab.
The helicopter can transport both cargo and troops. It can be used for assault, special operations, casualty evacuation, humanitarian & disaster relief, search & rescue, fire-fighting and nation-building. It currently has 20 global operators.
“The US Army, Boeing and other global operators have a roadmap to continue enhancing, to ensure it remains one of the advanced helicopters in the world,” Schwab added.
The helicopter has increased stability and control, maximum agility, ease of loading and unloading and superior performance in wind. It can conduct high-altitude missions up to its surface ceiling of 20,000 ft.
The AH-64E Apache, a twin-engine, multi-mission attack helicopter, was designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. It has a battle-tested track record of performance and versatility unmatched by any other attack helicopter. According to Boeing, the Apache will remain the world’s dominant attack helicopter for the next 25-30 years.
The Apache has a rapidly reconfigurable open systems architecture design. The capacity for rapid and affordable capability upgrades, makes it more lethal, networked and survivable. Outstanding speed, range, endurance, payload, interoperability as well as situational awareness, have made it an icon in its class.
The AH-64E now has an improved maintenance, training and reduced operational and support costs. It collects and shares battle space information – on and off board, on land and on sea. It also provides near real-time sensor-to-shooter timelines, from multiple weapons systems. AH-64E has multi-spectral integrated sensors, with extended stand-off range for sensors and weapons. The aircraft can operate in adverse weather conditions. It is currently operated by 17 global customers.